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Empanaditas de Carne (Mini Meat Pastries)
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Empanaditas de Carne (Mini Meat Pastries)

Empanaditas de Carne are small Cuban pastries filled with seasoned ground beef. The buttery, flaky crust contrasts perfectly with the savory, aromatic filling. These appetizers are ideal for Cuban parties, casual snacking, or as part of a Cuban hors d’oeuvres spread. Why You’ll Love This Recipe Flaky, golden crust with savory, spiced meat filling Easy finger food for gatherings Perfectly balanced texture and aroma Iconic Cuban appetizer for snack platters
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
  • 1/3 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for dough
  • For the Filling:
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • For Frying/Baking:
  • Vegetable oil for frying optional
  • 1 egg beaten for egg wash

Equipment

  • Whisk or fork
  • Skillet or pan for filling
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet or deep-frying pan
  • Small cookie cutter or knife

Method
 

  1. Prepare Dough: Mix flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add water and olive oil, knead until smooth. Chill 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare Filling: Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground beef, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and parsley. Cool.
  3. Shape Empanaditas: Roll dough 1/8 inch thick, cut circles (~3 inches). Place 1 teaspoon filling in center, fold, and crimp edges.
  4. Cook:
  5. Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), brush empanaditas with egg wash, bake 18–20 minutes until golden.

Notes

Chill dough to prevent tearing
Don’t overfill pastries
Crimp edges tightly for a neat finish
Serve warm for best flavor
Substitutions & Variations
Use ground chicken, turkey, or pork for filling
Add olives or raisins for traditional Cuban twist
Cheese filling variation: add mozzarella or Cuban-style cheese